British police have arrested three men on suspicion of spying for China, including the partner of a Labour Member of Parliament, as part of a national security investigation, authorities confirmed.
The Metropolitan Police said the suspects, aged 39, 43 and 68, were arrested in London and Wales under the UK National Security Act, which targets individuals suspected of assisting foreign intelligence services.
The 39-year-old man was detained at a London address, while the other two were arrested in Powys and Pontyclun in Wales.
Police said the men are suspected of assisting a foreign intelligence service in activities connected to the United Kingdom.
Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London said authorities have seen a “significant increase” in national security investigations in recent years and are working to “disrupt malign activity where we suspect it.”
Officers stressed there is no “imminent or direct threat to the public.”
Security minister Dan Jarvis told lawmakers the government would respond strongly if foreign interference were confirmed. “This government stands resolute in our resolve to counter foreign interference activity targeting the UK from any state actor,” he said, adding Britain would not “trade off security for economic access.”
Searches were carried out in London, East Kilbride and Cardiff as part of the investigation. All three suspects remain in custody.
